To get the driver out the way I did, when I found how to do it, it was not difficult, it just needed some preparation and a very hot solder iron to attach the handle to the brass ring. I just can’t guarantee that it will be the glue that gives in first, you could be unlucky ripping the brass ring off.
But to be honest, this only a good host if you manage to get the driver out. I really tried to convince Sofirn to use a retaining ring or screws to fix the driver but that did not happen. Hopefully Sofirn instead of making this a good host brings it out in more emitter options. And give it a bit more bling perhaps.
The flashlight is listed on gearbest in flashsale and on aliexpress.
I would order it, but not with the light color and the glued driver. I don’t want to remove the driver like djozz has shown it. And I don’t want to pay for extra LEDs, if I want to keep XP-L2 in it, but in other color.
Nice flashligh, but can not order due to these problems.
Those are all valid points. Perhaps Sofirn will take you up on the change in color.
Mine should be in my hands on Saturday. I really love my Q8 lights and am grateful that this one will be just small enough to make it easier to carry. The performance of the sample is solid and I’m hopeful that the regular production lights will be just the same.
I remembered the knot I used (and most likely would use on the SP36). It’s called a Constrictor Knot. There are variations such as the Double and the Strangle Knot.
I got home to find that my SC36 was waiting for me in my mailbox. It arrived in a small, slightly padded plastic envelope like so many other items mailed from China. Inside was a plain box which was somewhat smushed.
All was well on the inside and the thin bubble wrap and single layer of foam kept the light in one piece.
It came with four backup o-rings, instructions, “Happy?/Not Happy?” card and the charging cord (in addition to the light itself).
Everything was put together well with no scratches or blemishes at all.
It has double springs in the tail which seem relatively firm. The driver is glued (as it was in the sample) and there’s barely a trace on the inside of the head. It could use some grease on the square threads, but after dropping in my freshly charged cells, it worked just like a slightly smaller Q8 that I know and love.
The rubber piece over the charging port sticks out a bit but the rubber seems reasonably sturdy. I’ll see how well it holds itself closed, but it’s quite a bit better than my Astrolux and Eagle Eye charging covers.
I couldn’t get a decent beam shot in my bedroom but it does have distinct petals on the edges. It’s a bit warmer than I expected. I’ll give it a test outside later on but overall I can expect it to be a nice around-the-house and in-the-car light. I’m really appreciating how quickly it ramps up and down. It’s still a bit large for jacket pocket carry but I’m happy with this first in-hand impression.
It’s both. Very much like my Q8. The distance across the reflectors is about 2.5mm wider on the Q8. It floods my entire yard and throws quite a distance. I really should measure my yard, but I’d estimate that it’s about 200’ until the treeline.
Compared to my BLF Q8, the Sofirn SP36 is a bit cooler but not harsh to my eyes. I prefer warmer tints but I’m not screaming to swap these (especially with the ordeal it takes to remove the driver).
Hello everyone, could you please record a short video for hand-on and beam shot of this great flashlight?
I tried to find a review video for Sofirn SP36 on Youtube, and the result return is zero.
Thank you in advance.
I finally received a Sofirn SP36 yesterday - ordered 11/11.
Packaged came a bit banged as usual but no issues. I dropped in a trio of 35E BT, because i’m out of 30Qs BT right now - where did they all go?… And put it on USB charging right away. My USB tester reports 1.5A at 5V. After a few hours of red switch light i got impatient and finished charging the cells on a charger at 1A per cell.
I like this “sub-Q8” format and the USB charging.
After a very quick first run i’m pleased with the ease of use and output. Just like the Q8 just a bit smaller and lighter.
However, i’m not so sure about tint and color shifts… The overall feel is NW it seems, but with quite some yellow in a central hotspot and outer ring, and then some other bluish colors… Not that great. Outdoor it does not show so much though.
I haven’t compared it to the BLF Q8 yet, but it fares very well so far.
I’d be glad to hear about other’s experience with the USB charging. When does it stop for instance. I’ll try it out for sure. That’s one of the reason i bought that light. I want to make sure it works properly.
Yeah, the XP-L2 beam/tints won't look good in any reflector light. I wish they just went with something like the 351D 4000K's, or XPL HI's, but the big output #'s of the XP-L2's is hard to deny. The SST-40's may be more lumens, but then you got to go with the full blue CW.
Ahh, ok - I didn't get that memo. I saw/read the TA test, and didn't see those specific facts mentioned. Where is this mentioned/tested/proved/compared? Searching BLF on LH351D 5000K doesn't result in much.
I got the 4000K 90+ CRI ones and really like the beam/tint in reflectors.
From comparing djozz's SST-40 test vs. TA's 351D 5000K (unknown bin??) test, looks like the SST-40 beats it for max output, at about 9 amps? What am I missing?
The LH351D 70CRI is slightly more efficient than the XP-L2 in most cases, unless you are going crazy with direct drive, but then, efficiency takes a nose dive with the XP-L2.
Seems like the lower thermal resistance of the LH351D really helps in at higher lumen levels. At 6A, the LH351D produces 180 lumens more than the XP-L2, which is really helpful for maximum thermal dissapation.
Yes, all true! Not sure how the 351D 5000K does head to head against a XP-L2 V6 5000K in a FET light or mod. Should have advantages in beam/tint, but not sure of output because of comparative Vf. I might even have C8F triples or Q8's to compare. Either way, sounds like the 351D 5000K would be a superior choice for this light.
Again, it's weird why the 351D 5000K hasn't gotten more attention here. I just checked my order history and I bought these from DigiKey a while back: SPHWHTL3DA0CF4RTW6, qty 10 -- when I get a chance, I'll check where I used them - think in a C8F triple.
